The Cleveland Cavaliers went from a probable playoff team to a contender overnight when they acquired three-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell a few weeks ago.
In Mitchell, the Cavs have one of the NBA’s more explosive players, not to mention someone who seemingly has a habit of turning his game up a notch or two come playoff time.
He will team up with Darius Garland to give Cleveland one of the league’s best backcourts right away.
There is a debate as to whether the team is a legitimate championship contender right now or if they aren’t ready to reach the NBA Finals yet.
But a look at its young core makes it clear that it will be a very exciting team to watch, and possibly the most entertaining team in the Eastern Conference.
Showtime In Cleveland?
For the first time since LeBron James‘ second stint with the Cavs, they and their fans have something tangible to be excited about.
Garland averaged 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game last season while shooting 38.3 percent from 3-point range and earning his first trip to the All-Star game.
Highest pull-up 3P% after the All-Star break Last Season
51.4 — Jordan Poole
48.4 — Kyrie Irving
46.3 — Darius Garland pic.twitter.com/egwTzsFG7v— NBA Muse (@NBAMuse24) September 22, 2022
He has impressed many with not only his passing skills but also his ball-handling ability, and while he may not be on the same level as former Cavs star Kyrie Irving, he is something special in his own right.
These Darius Garland highlights 🔥pic.twitter.com/VR14yN9ASZ
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 2, 2022
Mitchell, meanwhile, is a natural scorer who can throw down some big dunks from time to time.
Just a little of what Cleveland is getting in Donovan Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/bhiSVxIX7d
— Mack Perry (@DevaronPerry) September 1, 2022
He has also averaged over five assists a game the past two seasons and is a somewhat underrated passer and playmaker.
More Donovan Mitchell passing pic.twitter.com/l3DFGheUKY
— 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙨 🕷🕸 (@HsgvensSon) September 10, 2022
But Cleveland’s backcourt is just the beginning of how dangerous they will be.
In the frontcourt, Evan Mobley, coming off a strong season, is someone who is thought to have superstar potential.
His ability to handle the ball and get shots off the bounce make it seem as though he could be one of the game’s best scorers and players within the next few years.
Mobley is already a strong shot-blocker, as is starting center Jarrett Allen, who is following up an All-Star season.
That shot-blocking helped anchor a Cavs defense that ranked seventh in defensive rating last season, and it’s a defense that can help generate lots of fast break opportunities this coming season.
With Mobley and Allen able to run the floor and finish strong at the rim, the Cavs could end up having one of the league’s best transition attacks, depending on how much head coach J.B. Bickerstaff allows them to run and play fast.
The Cavs’ Growth Process Should be Fun
Cleveland may not be ready to win the world title this season, but barring injury, it should win lots of games and make some noise in the playoffs.
Its true potential likely lies about three to five years from now, once Garland and Mobley start to tap into their potential and move towards the start of their respective primes.
Mitchell also just turned 26, giving the Cavs a young core that should be around for years to come.
NEXT: Cavaliers Fans Are Ready To Make A Bold Claim